Story perspectives

Ontario Seeks Federal Helicopters for 15 Community Evacuations

7/18/2026

Summary

Story summary

Ontario asked the federal government to ready aircraft within 24 hours for evacuations of remote northern communities.
Emergency Preparedness Minister Jill Dunlop sought Canadian Armed Forces help to evacuate 15 communities amid 130 fires.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said four federal helicopters are deployed.
Premier Doug Ford reported no fatalities, pledged provincial spending after $650 million was spent on helicopters and water bombers, and noted evacuations in Armstrong and other communities.

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Story summary

Ontario asked the federal government to ready aircraft within 24 hours for evacuations of remote northern communities.
Emergency Preparedness Minister Jill Dunlop sought Canadian Armed Forces help to evacuate 15 communities amid 130 fires.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said four federal helicopters are deployed.
Premier Doug Ford reported no fatalities, pledged provincial spending after $650 million was spent on helicopters and water bombers, and noted evacuations in Armstrong and other communities.